MICHELIN takes the challenge for energy efficiency, safety and innovation in Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2015

Michelin, in global partnership with Shell, welcomes back the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia (SEMA) for its second year in the Philippines at Luneta Park, Manila on February 26 to March 1, 2015.

The Shell Eco-Marathon is an international competition wherein student teams must create a safe and energy-efficient vehicle that promotes sustainable solutions for mobility.

MICHELIN continues as the Official Global Partner and Tire Supplier of the event in 2015.

An increased number of student teams will participate in SEMA 2015, with 127 teams from 17 countries from the Asia-Pacific and delegates from Australia, Saudi Arabia, Oman and South Africa. From the Philippines alone, 25 universities from all over the country with as much as 34 participating prototype vehicles are joining this year. The SEMA 2014 had 109 teams from 15 countries, and 15 teams from the Philippines among them.

Marketing Communications Director for MICHELIN Philippines Caroline Ablanida, Communication & Brands Director for MICHELIN East Asia and Australia Ruedee Euachongprasit, Customer Engineering Support Manager for MICHELIN Philippines Jaybee Atanacio and Chief Representative of MICHELIN Philippines Michael Nunag during the MICHELIN Press Conference on Energy Efficiency, Safety and Innovation at the Shell Eco-Marathon.

“The Michelin and Shell partnership are aligned with valuing innovation for better mobility, that also pursues energy-efficient and safe solutions for mobility.” said Michael Nunag, Chief Representative of MICHELIN Philippines.

The MICHELIN tires for Shell Eco-Marathon are well-designed tires that are lightweight and provide low rolling resistance, providing optimal traction and longer travel time for the prototype vehicles. These tires are approximately 6 times more efficient than one of the best energy efficient tires on the market (MICHELIN Energy EV).

MICHELIN will also be providing technical assistance and support to all the participant teams throughout the competition, by supporting them with safety advice and how to best utilize the tires for their vehicles to get the best performance.

Communication & Brands Director for MICHELIN East Asia and Australia Ruedee Euachongprasit discusses the importance of using the right tires for road safety and fuel efficiency during the MICHELIN Press Conference on Energy Efficiency, Safety and Innovation at the Shell Eco-Marathon.

Special types of tires from MICHELIN are the most commonly used for the urban concept cars and prototype vehicles for the participating student teams of Shell Eco-Marathon Asia.

photo 3 -- Communication & Brands Director for MICHELIN East Asia & Australia Ruedee Euachongprasit, Customer Engineering Support Manager for MICHELIN Philippines Jaybee Atanacio and Chief Representative of MICHELIN Philippines Michael Nunag discuss MICHELIN's aim for innovation in better, safer and energy-efficient solutions in road safety and mobility.

MICHELIN provides assistance and advice to student teams regarding proper tire inflation and tire tread depth for traction at the MICHELIN Technical Booth at the Shell Eco-Marathon at Luneta Park.

Kids and visitors to the Shell Eco-Marathon can learn more about basic road safety rules through fun games and activities at the MICHELIN booth at the Fanzone area.

Apart from the sponsor exhibition where the public will have a chance to see the product and performances of Michelin Tires, Michelin will host the MICHELIN Road Safety City 2015 at the Fanzone area at the SEMA 2015. A first for SEMA in Manila, the concept behind MICHELIN Road Safety City is to get everyone, especially the kids, in on the importance of road safety.

“Road Safety is everyone’s responsibility. With Michelin Road Safety City 2015, what we want to bring to all the participants is the basic but important knowledge that will keep them safe on the road.  This includes respecting traffic rules, the meaning of road signs, and how to avoid danger on the road. All the activities are designed to demonstrate the importance of road safety, with the hope that this will help to reduce road accidents,” said Ruedee Euachongprasit, Director of Communication and Brands, Michelin East Asia and Australia.

Barbie Almalbis is back with her “new heart”

Barbie Almalbis is back on the music scene presenting a new chapter in her life through the launch of her latest album “My New Heart.”

Formerly the lead singer of the bands Hungry Young Poets and Barbie's Cradle, she pursued a solo career in 2005, now releasing her "new heart." Her music is characterised by a rather quirky, but endearing vocal style, and guitar work.

Barbie, started releasing solo records since 2005 after she made popular songs like 'Torpe' and 'Firewoman with Hungry Young Poets band, 'Tabing-ilog' and 'Limang Dipang Tao' with Barbie's Cradle band.

Her first solo album was 'Parade,' which includes songs like 'Dahilan,' 'Pag-alis,' and 'High' with The Speaks, followed by the album 'Goodbye My Shadow' in 2011 (her last before she released 'My New Heart').

Barbie considering her songs like her “diary" and the latest album 'My New Heart' her most special and most adventurous.

The songs blend happiness and sadness, not because Barbie feels down and out, but she can experiment with expressing as many feelings as she can in a song.

Barbie has been dormant for sometime from the music scene because as she said "while I was preparing for this new album, I was also becoming a very hands-on mother to my two kids. So I was thinking why not come up with an album that this time speaks so many themes and thoughts that are coming from and coming close to the heart. But at the same time not loosing the pop-rock beat I have become known for."

With her active lifestyle, and while maintaining her groove as a recording artist has experienced full growth with her kids and her ever supportive and handsome husband Martin Honasan, it is not a surprise that the pretty rocker does look younger and is all aglow. She has a healthy working collaboration with her husband who also happens to be an artist, a painter. In fact her husband Martin happens to be one of the main people who made the cover art of Barbie's new album.

The songs included in the album are: Say Goodbye, Emmanuel, Run For Cover, My New Heart, On This Train, We Are Slaves, Secrets, Joyful Joyful, and Ostrich Cowboy.

All nine tracks were produced by Barbie and Maly Andres, and Tommy Tanchanco under the 12 Stone Records label.

'My New Heart' is now available in leading record bars nationwide and even in some online music stores.

Here's one of my favorite songs of Barbie, "High",  a collaboraton with US based all-Pinoy band, The Speaks.

‘Aawitan Kita’ star Armida Siguion-Reyna launches biography : “Armida: Unfinished Memoir –The Singer And The Song”

Best known for her multi-awarded musical TV show “Aawitan Kita, veteran actress-singer Armida Siguion - Reyna launched her highly anticipated biography last Tuesday (February 24) at Whitespace, Chino Roces Ave., Makati City.

Each page of "Armida" is filled with rich details of her vibrant life told by Armida heself side by side with an account penned by Nelson Navarro titled "The Singer and the Song."

The strong woman spent most of her life sharing the joys of music to her fans, Armida, is a Filipino celebrity, singer, film and stage actress, producer, television show host, and former chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board during the Estrada administration. 

Her long-running musical TV show “Aawitan Kita,” has bagged numerous awards. With her lawyer-husband, she formed Reynafilms.

The unveiling of Siguion-Reyna’s biography, the book “Armida: Unfinished Memoir–The Singer And The Song,” serves as a celebration in honor of her legacy as a pillar in both show biz and public service. 

Looking back at a wonderful life, a homage to this inimitable woman, “Armida: Unfinished Memoir–The Singer And The Song,” is written by journalist Nelson Navarro and edited by her daughter Monique Villonco. 

“It gives readers an inside view of her private thoughts about her public and professional relationships with behind-the-scenes revelations; her one true love, her fears, her strengths. It’s her backstory,” she said. The book includes anecdotes on Armida’s childhood, her first relationship, her marriage and her family.

“It’s like a back story of her life. While I was editing the book, I saw her strengths, weaknesses and how passionate she is with her work,” Monique shared.

“My mom has always been surrounded by controversies, left and right, but she was fearless, she will always fight and stand for what she believes in. She would also always defend us and her friends no matter how unpopular they were,” Monique said.

Monique said, the book “breaks the rules of how traditional biographies are presented, just as my mom has been doing throughout her life.”

Armida’s biggest strength is her love for her children and her late husband Atty. Leonardo T. Siguion-Reyna. Monique noted how mom was driven by being “independent-minded.” “In the family, she has been the disciplinarian (but she) will always support us in all kinds of journey we want to achieve. Daddy was mom’s true champion. He would always say ‘yes’ to her requests,” Monique added.

The book launch was a reunion of the most respected names in entertainment and also in politics. Apart from family and friends, present at the event were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Manila Mayor Joesph Estrada, Senators Grace Poe and Chiz Escudero with wife Heart, Irene Marcos- Araneta,Atty. Lorna Kapunan, Lily Monteverde, Marichu Maceda, Tony Boy Cojuangco and Gretchen Barretto.

Also spotted during the launch were celebrities Susan Roces, Robert Arevalo, Barbara Perez, Tirzo Cruz III, Ricky Davao, Bimbo Cerrudo, Pen Medina, Amy Austria, Lucy Torres and Gina Alajar.

The book will allow the public a glimpse of the real Armida. Looking back at a wonderful life, the book “Armida: Unfinished Memoir–The Singer And The Song,” is published by ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc.

It is available at ABS-CBN Store and in National Bookstore branches.

More photos at Arts Travel Magazine facebook page.

Techbox Salutes Graduates With Up To 60% Discount As Graduation Blowout

Graduation time is near. Student finishing up their studies, courses, and want their graduation to be a special. This marks a momentous occasion in the lives of graduates.

In celebration of graduation season, Techbox Philippines will be offering a 60% discount on LG G2 and a 50% discount on Nokia Lumia 620 handsets on all Techbox branches from March 1 to 30.

“These days, graduating is a real challenge. The workload is incredible, and the pressure to do well not only on academics but also on extra-curricular activities cannot be underestimated. Those who successfully hurdle all the challenges truly deserve recognition,” said Angela Gutierrez, Business Unit Head for Techbox Philippines.

 “This is our way of celebrating with them,” she added.

Customers interested in the promo can go to the following Techbox stores: Alphaland Southgate Mall, Riverbanks, Tanay Town Center, Victory Mall Caloocan, Pavilion Mall in Binan, Tutuban Mall, Robinsons Dasmarinas, Xentro Neo Calapan, Mindoro, Robinsons Forum, and Metro Pacific in Lucena. 

For offering trusted handset brands and cellphone accessories at an affordable price, Techbox Philippines has become the fastest growing gadget retail chain in the country.

To get the latest Techbox deals, visit www.techboxhub.com. 

Business venture turned philanthropic crusade to help, educate the poor

Helping people, the less fortunate, is natural for Filipinos, particularly those who have achieved their success from humble beginnings. 

Nilo S. Gret, a former Bank Executive and native of Tiaong, Quezon province, is one of those Filipinos. He pioneered the first technical school in Tiaong, Quezon, where it is helping local students pursue paying careers with TESDA backed certified training.

Nilo and Zenny Gret during AITE's 8th Commencement Rites

It started in 2008, when Nilo was approached during a social gathering by a closed business colleague from Tiaong, Quezon, who openly suggested to him the opportunity to be part of running this technical training school based in their hometown province. Nilo was hesitant at first, but with his educational background and working experience, he agreed to be a business partner of that school.

Nilo invested in what is now The Asian Institute of Technology and Education (AITE). "I decided to be part of that school (AITE) in the hope that it would be a vehicle for myself to help other young people get a better education locally, where most people would normally travel to Metro Manila to pursue a college degree," recalled Nilo Gret.

But there was more to AITE that met Gret's business expectations. "AITE, the time I started investing on the school, was on the brink of closure, and it was only a matter of time before it ceases operation. I had to do something about it," said Gret.

The initial investment Gret put up to AITE, because the school needed to fill in the resources for its regular operational expenses, was short-lived. "It (investment) paid for the salaries of the employees, rental of the building, maintenance of the school's facilities, etc. Everything went on to those immediate expenses the school needed to pay off."

AITE School Building

Gret, with the school's depleting resources, had considered backing out of the business partnership. "My business partner, with the state of the school, backed out first, saying that he could no longer keep up with the school's expenses." AITE's fate was left hanging with Gret, who, at that time, knew little how to manage a technical school more so that it was in the brink of bankruptcy.

"We only had a few months to graduation, and with very limited funding to lean on, Gret decided to manage the AITE himself, slowly addressing the school's mismanaged operation. With over 100 students expecting to graduate with training certification, Gret worked to downsize the school's operation, keeping it to manageable levels.

"With my management, we were multi-tasking, keeping the school functioning for the remainder of the school year. It was a fresh start for AITE," said Gret.

Gret saw the bigger potential of AITE, not just as a technical school that offers vocation training, but a long term opportunity to help his townmates get proper education. Students could now get TESDA training or CHED’s 4-year education at a very low spending and without needing to sell a property so a family member can travel to Manila to get college education," said Gret.

Gret, with the help of his wife Zenaida, who is also now the Vice President for Finance and Administration of AITE, began focusing their time in the school's day-to-day management. "It was a difficult period for AITE, but sooner or later we were able to find benefactors willing to sponsor our students." AITE, with Gret's leadership and the school's trained technical trainers, began offering new courses and skills development training program.

By 2009, from the initial 100 students, along with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) formal recognition of AITE in that same year, the school started offering new courses and skills development programs. It now included four year courses namely: Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (BSED) (with majors in Mathematics and English) together with Bachelor of Science course in Information Technology (BSIT), Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology (BSAct), Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BSEntrep) and Bachelor of Science in Office Management (BSOA).

As a recognized TESDA partner, AITE added more technical courses in bookkeeping, driving, massage therapy, tile setting, mobile training in tile setting and driving, and two (2) year ladderized program leading to BSIT.

With Gret's objective of providing opportunities to more low-income group families desiring to have their children courses that would lead to immediate employment after graduation, AITE, which is now affiliated with various employment agencies, said the initiative is his way of sharing the success he has experienced from training and hard work.

In 2010, AITE moved to its own building with improved training facilities and equipment. The 3-storey building, located along Maharlika Highway in Tiaong was constructed to house the school growing number of enrollees from the province.

"AITE is developing, offering certified and four year college courses. We want this development to continue helping more Filipinos from Quezon get the right education so they can be employed, help contribute to the family's meager income locally," said Gret.

For 2015, with new expansion plans set in motion, AITE is set to open another 4-storey building to accommodate the increasing demand for education and in preparation for the introduction of the government's K to 12 program through the Department of Education (DEPED).

What’s cooking: TV5 resident chef’s recipe for a healthier lifestyle

Having dealt with food for most of his life, chef turned host Jeremy Favia never imagined seeing himself hosting his own show on television.

Cooking show host, Chef Jeremy Favia says he feels lighter since he started using C-Lium Fibre

Growing up, Chef Jeremy always knew that he was born for the kitchen; not necessarily as a chef, but someone whose work involves food—be it a restaurant manager or an owner.

Unknown to many, however, the 29-year-old chef had different dreams. At one time he wanted to be a doctor; as a little boy, he wrote on his yearbook: “I want to be a priest!”

Years after, he now finds himself in front of the camera doing some hosting jobs for different cooking shows as TV5’s resident chef. Armed with his killer smile and natural charm, Chef Jeremy has gained popularity not only because of his culinary skills, but also because of his looks and the positive aura that he exudes.

TV5 resident chef Jeremy Favia says C-Lium Fibre helps him meet the daily recommended fiber-intake.

While hosting a cooking show is something he truly enjoys, Chef Jeremy says he’s now more focused on his job at The Center for Wellness and Aesthetics of The Medical City in Ortigas, Pasig. It’s an immensely fulfilling job that allows him to help empower people who are suffering from various ailments to improve their health.

As the Wellness Center’s in-house chef, Chef Jeremy prepares special meals that are planned around an individual’s health problem, like hypertension or diabetes. The goal is for a client to cut down on his maintenance medicines as he benefits from the nutritional contents of the food Chef Jeremy cooks. Absolutely hands-on with his job, the chef even delivers the food right to their clients’ doorsteps.

“Isasabay mo ‘yung specially prepared food sa medicine mo hanggang sa mabawasan ‘yung tini-take mong gamot,” Chef Jeremy explains. “I have a client na diabetic, who subscribed to a meal plan for thirty days. After he completed his subscription, nagbawas na siya ng gamot.”

The venture inspires Chef Jeremy to be creative in doing the special meal plans, knowing that he plays a crucial role in setting his clients on the path to recovery.

Believing that the secret to a healthier lifestyle is smarter food choices, Chef Jeremy advises people to include fiber like C-Lium in their daily diet.

“Fiber naman talaga is very good for your digestive system and over-all health. May times na magluluto ka ng hindi ‘ganun ka-healthy so you’ll need fiber to help flush many of those unhealthy foods,” he says.

Believing that the secret to a healthier lifestyle is smarter food choices, Chef Jeremy Favia advises people to include fiber like C-Lium in their daily diet.

Chef Jeremy also relates that he used to eat a lot whenever he was stressed out. In such times he takes fiber supplements, specifically C-Lium Fibre, to help make him feel lighter.

“’Yung C-Lium hinahalo ko siya sa juice. I always feel lighter whenever I use C-Lium and there are times na kumakain ako ng ‘di ganun ka-healthy so C-Lium helps me to have enough fiber in the body,” he says.

C-Lium Fibre is made from natural psyllium plant, which is a good source of soluble and insoluble fibers. According to the National Fiber Council, the soluble fiber in psyllium absorbs water, turns into a gel, and attaches to food, sugars, cholesterol, and fats in the stomach and helps to expel these from one’s digestive system. A high-fiber diet also lowers the risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, certain forms of cancer, diabetes, and stroke. 

Chef Jeremy likewise says that with proper diet and active lifestyle, almost anyone can achieve optimum health.

Wellness Center’s in-house chef and cooking show host Chef Jeremy Favia says that any diet should be paired with regular exercise for best results.

This conviction is what drives Chef Jeremy to handle a new cooking show and other ventures outside television. Being in his best shape ever, he looks forward to even more opportunities coming his way.

C-Lium Fibre comes in two formats--husk powder and capsule form-- and is available in leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

Jollibee Kids Club welcomes the Voice Kids Top 4

The Voice Kids Top 4 Darren Espanto, Darlene Vibares, winner Lyca Gairanod and Juan Karlos Labajo have signed up as the newest members and Jollibee ambassadors of the coolest club for kids—Jollibee Kids Club (JKC).

The young talents were formally introduced as JKC members during their second major concert held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

Photo shows The Voice Kids with (from left) RBU Head Executive Secretary Aine Aira Tomada, Regional Business Unit Head-Visayas Shing Llanos, Management Associate Beatriz Cruz, Visayas Trade Marketing Manager Nelson Judaya, Store Development Officer Marcos Arnie Presas, Trade Marketing Officers Leah Sausa and Orven Zaragoza, and HR Manager-Visayas Katherine Quesada.

Darren, Darlene, Lyca and JK had a meet-and-greet session with 20 lucky JKC members, signing autographs and taking photos with their fellow kids.

In a special segment during the concert, the four also sang the JKC theme song “Dito, Masaya,” dancing with everyone’s favorite friend, Jollibee.

The Binibining Pilipinas 2015 Fashion Show

A fashion extravaganza like no other! 

On February 26, at 7 PM, 34 of the loveliest Filipinas from all over the country will take center stage at the Binibining Pilipinas 2015 Fashion Show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The eagerly awaited event is a visual feast, with Binibining Pilipinas candidates gracefully strutting their stuff on the runway, clad in JAG jeans and modern accessories.

Who will set the trend this year with her signature walk? Witness how these ladies pull off both traditional and contemporary ensembles.

Be dazzled at how this year’s delegates beautifully carry themselves, donning cultural dresses made by renowned designers in the National Costume Competition.

Hosted by Binibining Pilipinas reigning queens, the event also features special performances by the Filipino rock band “The Dawn”.

The fashion show serves as another major event leading up to the Grand Coronation Night on March 15, also at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

To purchase tickets, visit TicketNet Online at www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-5555 for inquiries.

Gretchen Barretto and Arnold Reyes win top awards at 13th Gawad TANGLAW Awards

Gawad Tanglaw, Gawad Tagapuring mga Akademisyan ng Aninong Gumagalaw, is an organization composed of members from the academe.

Gretchen Barretto

Gretchen won the Best Supporting Actress award for her brilliant performance in the movie The Trial where she plays a psychologist who convinces her lawyer husband to help a mentally-challenged student accused of raping his teacher. 

Arnold bagged the President’s Jury Award for Excellence (Theatre Television and Film). He is known in showbiz circles as the ultimate actor having displayed his acting skills in numerous stage plays, television shows, and movies (both indie and mainstream).

Gretchen and Arnold are both Backroom artists. For inquiries, call Backroom Inc at 4351108, 4351120 and 9280717 or email us at backroominc@hotmail.com.

Like Backroom Inc. on facebook at www.facebook.com/backroominc and or follow Backroom Inc. on twitter at www.twitter.com/BackroomArtists.

Daniel Padilla at Lily's Peanut Butterrific University Fun Day

Lily's Peanut Butterrific University Fun Day makes super fun last Sunday with the most popular teen heartthrob Daniel Padilla.

Over the past 60 years, Lily’s Peanut Butter has grown to be a traditional staple of Filipino households.After many years of product excellence, the brand launched a huge campaign last year that brought the mother-and-son tandem of Daniel Padilla and Karla Estrada as endorsers.

The campaign is all about the bond people share whenever they experience a love nawalangkatulad. A love that will make you say, “Ikawlangtalaga."

This 2015, Lily’s goes all out anew with its Lily's Peanut Butterrific University Fun Day. This event was held last February 22, 2015 from 11am to 7pm at the Market Market Activity Center.

It was truly an exciting day as there were interactive booths and fun-filled activities which entertained the crowd audience. Along with this was the successful Cook Off with 2 celebrity chefs, Boy Logro and Victor Neri,which got everyone excited as the five (5) schools battled it out in two (2) rounds of cooking. They came up with original savoury and sweet dishes using any of the Lily's products. Grand prize winners and other participants enjoyed cash and gift prizes.

Chef Boy Logro 

The highlight of the day was the Meet and Greet with Daniel Padilla in the late afternoon. The whole Market Market Activity Center fill with crowds loud cheers and screams for the popular star Daniel.

 

The film “Crazy Beautiful You” with Kathryn Bernardo opens in theaters nationwide this Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Daniel is also nominated in the upcoming Nickelodeon Teen Choice Awards under the Favorite Asian Act Category.

Lily’s Peanut butter,  the pioneering name in the industry that has become synonymous with taste and quality and made with all-natural ingredients. It has a distinct sweet-creamy taste well-loved by Filipinos. With such, it has evolved from more than just a bread spread to a key ingredient in many dishes. Yes, many dishes because Lily’s Peanut Butter goes well not just with the usual Kare-Kare but also with the likes of a Pan Grilled Deboned Chicken with Lily’s Peanut Butter Chutney, as shown in the cooking demo! The list can go from appetizers, main dishes, desserts to drinks and this is why everyone agrees, that the brand is like no other…“Ikaw lang talaga, Lily’s.”

Find out more by checking their website www.mylilys.com or Instagram using the hashtag #cookingwithlilys.

For food service queries and orders, you may reach through this email foodservice@mylilys.com

Carmudi Secures $25M in new funding for Asia and Latin America

Rocket Internet backed online car classified player to become No.1 in emerging markets

Berlin, Germany – Carmudi, a leading car classified site backed by Rocket Internet, has raised $25 million to strengthen its operations in Asia and Latin America. Investors include Asia Pacific Internet Group (APACIG), a joint venture of Rocket Internet and Ooredoo, Holtzbrinck Ventures, a leading consumer internet investor, Tengelmann Ventures, a division of international multi-sector retailer Tengelmann Group, and a private investor.

Launched in October 2013, Carmudi has rapidly scaled up to 20 countries, seven of which are in Asia (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam) and one in Latin America (Mexico). The platform is known to provide the most innovative and fastest way to buy and sell cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles online.

The announcement of this funding comes at a time when the company is experiencing a remarkable growth of over 50 per cent in all its markets and has authentic listings of over 300,000 vehicles for its users globally. 

Stefan Haubold - Global Co-Founder
and Managing Director 

Carmudi Co-Founder and Global Managing Director Stefan Haubold said: “This funding will be crucial in boosting our operations in Asia and Latin America. Our goal is to be the No.1 car classified platform in all our markets. There are over 300 million active internet users that we are aiming to tap into in these markets. We want to make sure that we bring them the best experience of car shopping on their laptops and mobile phones.”

The new round of investment goes to show the support and confidence investors have in Carmudi’s business model. Koen Thijssen, co-CEO of APACIG stated, “We invest in companies where we see high potential for growth and expansion. We are sure that Carmudi will be able to conquer its markets very soon." As the internet penetration is likely to reach 44 per cent by 2018 in in Asia Pacific region alone (excluding China and India), Carmudi’s strategic timing could not have been better. Having the first-mover advantage is certainly helping Carmudi become a household name as it continues to reap the rewards from a growing middle class and influx of foreign spending in emerging markets. In fact, it is already reaching over a million users per month through its website and mobile app.

With its new features, Carmudi is making the selling and buying process much simpler for experts and novices alike who are new to the Internet.

Diana Stalder's Go for Gold Campaign at dS Beauty Cafe

All that glitters is Gold.

Go for Gold! Diana Stalder (DS) unveils "VIP Gold" Membership Program, a full year of pampering and nourishment, for  people who wants real value for their money, with desire to be beautiful inside and out. 

Diana Stalder - A leading authority on skincare & beauty with some of most advanced aesthetic treatments & products. 

Ms. Dina Dela Paz-Stalder, CEO and President of Diana Stalder Face, Body, Skincare (dS) said that "Diana Stalder is fully committed to support their clients' desire to be beautiful inside and out." 

They are continuosly offering the best services and products that targets to the distinct needs of the rapidly-changing and diverse skincare market - from skincare services. products, to specialists and a new one,  a beauty cafe.  

My visit to dS Beauty Cafe at Megamall was a blast.  I was invited by Ms Marikit Figueras for that afternoon for the launch of Go for Gold Campaign featuring the Diana Stalder's  VIP GOLD MEMBERSHIP.

A new cafe and beauty spa in one. It's a nourishment section inside dS which is their solution to a healthy weight management system, where in they provide refreshments such as custom tea, coffee and ready to serve products that fall under Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method.

Everyone, not only the regular clients of dS is entitled to be a member of the VIP Gold. Having a VIP Gold Membership Card  means full calendar year of pampering of the face, body and skin that suit everyone's active lifestyle.

These stand as a testament to the top-notch brand that had established a reputation in the beauty industry for 18 strong years. The name itself represented charm and elegance, perfectly complementing the impressive line-up of quality skin care products that aimed to satisfy every woman’s desire for beautiful skin.

True to its promise, the brand gained the discerning confidence of a broadly satisfied clientele, owing to the positive results seen and felt in every skin it had touched and cared for. Such feat was achieved without advertising hype, and was, instead, rooted from patient’s positive experiences and word-of-mouth reputation.

A gold that's only 6000 Php but worth more than what glitters. All dS VIP Gold Members will enjoy tons of privileges and benefits at premier branches the very moment you enrol.

A Golden Offer like no other.

A full year of pampering for members includes:

• 3 Facial Supreme Treatment
• 3 Gold Facial Treatment
• 6 Underarm Bleaching Treatment
• 4 Whole Body Massage Treatment
• 4 Paraffin Wax Treatment
• 6 Skin Awakening Treatment

More exclusive privileges are:

• Free dS signature coffee or tea
• personal hygienic kit in a personalized golden pouch
• personal therapist by appointment
• exclusive gold treatment rooms at premier branches 
• exclusive invitations to promotions and sales events
• special discounts on sparty and other parties
• earn points in three was: purchases, member get member, and pre-appointments
• Convert points for free Gold memberships, birthday sparty, or exchange for products 

The membership and all the services and  perks is valid for one year and can be used at all premeier dS branches such as dS Gateway Araneta Center, dS SM Megamall, dS Svelte Eastwood and dS Calamba.

For more details about Diana Stalder's VIP Gold Card, visit Diana Stalder branches at Gateway Cubao, SM Megamall, Eastwood and SM Calamba. You may also call the hotline number 984-8188 or 0925-300-6395. 

Visit and like Facebook/DianaStalderByDermaline, Twitter @diana_stalder and Instagram @dianastalder.

More photos HERE.

198 join Regional Selection Camp, 3 boys and 1 girl from Puerto Princesa are first qualifiers for Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA National Training Camp April 24-26

Three boys aged 13 and an 11-year old girl emerged as the first qualifiers for the National Training Camp of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines 2015 presented by Alaska in Palawan Sunday, February 22.

 The three boys and one girl who will represent Palawan in the National Training Camp of Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines 2015 presented by Alaska in April. L-R: John Patraic Tinbancaya, Gerald Dagot, Mary Nicole Carlos and Jazeel Jared Trinidad.

The four standouts were chosen from a field of 198 participants in the first Regional Selection Camp of the NBA league’s international youth basketball program which was held at the Seminario de San Jose in Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa February 21 and 22.

On the first day, boys and girls aged 10 to 14 underwent vitals tests, basketball drills and skills tests, aptitude and endurance challenges and learned the Jr. NBA core values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect. The top performers of Day 1 returned on Day 2 for more basketball drills and exercises and were given the chance to display their basketball savvy via scrimmages.

At the end of Day 2, Jan Patraic Tinbancaya from Palawan State University, Jazeel Jared Trinidad and Gerald Dagot from Palawan National High School and Mary Nicole Carlos from Palawan State University were chosen as the four players who would represent the region at the National Training Camp, the high point of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program.

Action was fast and furious in the Jr. WNBA competition.

The young players impressed Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Camp Director Chris Sumner who said: “We had a nice turnout and the the three boys that we got were very talented. They were very versatile and athletic and I’m excited to see them grow. I think they have a good chance to compete for the All-Stars. As for the young lady, she is is awesome. She would cut to the offense, and cut to the defense. I’m excited about what she can do in Manila.”

Competition was intense in the scrimmages of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Regional Selection Camp in Puerto Princesa.

The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Regional Selection Camps will be held next in Biñan, Laguna this weekend (February 28-March 1), then Iloilo (March 7-8), Baguio (March 14-15), Bacolod (March 21-22), Davao (March 28-29) and lastly, Manila (April 11-12). The Selection camps are run by Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Coach and Camp Director Sumner assisted by Alaska Power Camp Director Jeffrey Cariaso and other Alaska coaches led by PBA legend Topex Robinson.

The chosen players in Palawan and the other selection camps will join the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA National Training Camp that will be held in Manila from April 24-26. The NBA’s international developmental basketball program first came to Palawan in 2012 and returned in 2014. A local Palaweño, Paul Harley Dagunan of San Miguel National High School was chosen as a Jr. NBA All-Star in 2012 and is now playing collegiate basketball in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA National Training Camp will culminate with the selection of 10 Jr. NBA and five Jr. WNBA All-Stars who will embark on a unique, overseas NBA experience together with fellow Jr. NBA All-Stars from Southeast Asia. The Coach of the Year presented by Alaska will also be announced at the National Training Camp which will be attended by NBA talents.

The program is free and open to boys and girls between 10 and 14 years old.

Registration is now ongoing through the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA event website www.jrnba.asia/philippines, where full program terms and conditions can be found. Fans can follow Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/jrnbaphilippines.

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